Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I just learned my dad, former Detroit Tiger outfielder Jim Small -- got his first hole-in-one this afternoon at Tullymore Resort (Stanwood, MI) at the age of 76. He did this on hole #5 a 127 yard par three. I'm not going to embarrass him with with what club he used -- but I'm sure he's telling everyone it was "into a stiff wind..."

Now, today's hole-in-one completes a unique golf "HAT TRICK" for the Small family:

Our oldest son Jimmy '08 -- got a hole-in-one October 2011 at Verdict Ridge Golf Club -- a course north of Charlotte, NC -- click here for the story

And, I've been fortunate to have two holes-in-one in my golf career. One at Treetops Resort on the Rick Smith Course (Gaylord, MI) and the other at Walnut Creek Country Club (Wixom, MI)

Not sure how many family's have "three generations" of holes-in-one -- all, with the same first and last name! Maybe we'll have to send this story on to the Golf Channel!

What I failed to point out is my brother Jay Small -- also has a hole-in-one -- making it FIVE HOLES-IN-ONE FOR OUR FAMILY!

David Phelps, a former Notre Dame baseball star, one hit the Cleveland Indians tonight in his six "shut-out" inning start for the New York Yankees! Phelps left the game after six innings -- striking out seven Indians.

This is disappointing news for former Notre Dame linebacker Darius Fleming -- apparently he injured the same knee TODAY that kept him out of action all of last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Sad...

An emotional Chuck Martin (Notre Dame's offensive coordinator) spoke today at the funeral of Cullen Finnerty who was found dead this past week in the woods of northern Michigan.

Finnerty, led the Grand Valley State Lakers to THREE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS during his four-year college career. The first national championship was with Coach Brian Kelly at the helm (Finnerty's freshman season) -- the next two came with Coach Martin leading the Lakers (Finnerty's junior and senior seasons). Here's the story:

Ohio State University president Gordon Gee -- announced his retirement today, effective July 1st -- just a week after controversial comments from an OSU Athletics Council meeting (this past December) were made public.

He also announced that he would be backing out of a commitment to speak at the graduation of St. Francis DeSales -- a Catholic high school located on the north side of Columbus -- which was scheduled for this Saturday.

The University of Notre Dame and Catholics were a couple of the targets of Gee's comments that led to today's retirement announcement.

A few weeks back, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr., signed a free-agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. What I missed was the reaction to the signing by his dad Mike Golic Sr. -- here's the link:

Former Irish All-American QB Brady Quinn is in Seattle these days working with the Seahawks and old nemesis Pete Carroll. It's the fourth NFL team for Brady -- and I'm rooting this will the team that Quinn will finally show the football world his skills...

A reporter from the Seattle Times caught up with Quinn after the Seahawks' OTA's yesterday -- here's the story:

The University of Notre Dame has asked that I let you know this blog is not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by them...

Besides being a lifelong fan of the University of Notre Dame, my wife Susan and I are the proud parents of four great kids; Jimmy (a former Irish Guard), Kara, Brady and son-in-law Conor. I also "triple" as a Senior Director of Storytelling & Engagement at Notre Dame. So, if you ever have a story idea, thoughts on how this blog can better serve Notre Dame fans, or you just want to talk Notre Dame -- feel free to reach me at; jim.small@ndgoirish.com